Braised Beef with Korean Green Peppers
How to Make Braised Korean Green Peppers with Beef: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
I love Korean green peppers (gwari gochu), so I often buy a bag and enjoy them simply dipped in gochujang. I always wonder if they’ll be too spicy, but they always turn out perfectly. Recently, I bought a bag of gwari gochu and, forgetting to refrigerate them, left them at room temperature. Oh dear, what a waste! To save them, I decided to add some tender beef and braise them in a savory soy sauce. This dish combines the mild spiciness of the peppers with the rich flavor of beef and the sweetness of onions, making it an excellent side for rice. The unique, slightly peppery taste of the gwari gochu, the savory beef, and the sweet onions create a wonderfully balanced flavor. Even my daughter, who usually finds them a bit spicy, enjoys them immensely! Served with rice and a splash of soy sauce, it tastes like a delicious beef jangjorim (soy-braised beef). It’s best to make side dishes in moderation to avoid waste, as they can spoil even when refrigerated. If you’re wondering what to cook today, this braised beef with Korean green peppers makes for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients- 300g Korean green peppers (Gwari Gochu)
- 150g Beef (thinly sliced for shabu-shabu or bulgogi)
- 1/2 Onion
- 3-4 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sugar (or plum syrup, corn syrup, or honey)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped scallions (optional)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean green peppers thoroughly and trim off the stems. You don’t need to cut them, as they shrink considerably during braising.
Step 2
I used thinly sliced beef from the freezer that was suitable for shabu-shabu. You can also use beef for bulgogi.
Step 3
In a wide pot or cooker, add the prepared Korean green peppers and beef. Slice the onion and add it to the pot as well.
Step 4
Add 3-4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Instead of sugar, you can use plum syrup, corn syrup, or honey for a touch of sweetness.
Step 5
Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Sliced garlic cloves also add a nice aroma.
Step 6
Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. The peppers will release moisture, making the pot quite liquid. Continue to braise until the liquid reduces to a saucy consistency. The peppers will puff up and then flatten as they absorb the flavors.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
Step 8
The braised beef and Korean green peppers are wonderfully tender and infused with flavor. The subtle heat of the peppers, the savory beef, and the sweetness of the onions create a delicious balance that’s perfect with a bowl of rice. My daughter enjoys it so much, even while finding it a little spicy! It tastes similar to a savory beef jangjorim when mixed with rice and soy sauce. It’s a good idea to make side dishes in smaller batches to avoid waste, as they can spoil. If you’re pondering what to make for dinner, this braised beef with Korean green peppers is a hearty and satisfying homemade option.
